Discover why Masca has become one of the most visited places in Tenerife despite its remote location. Located in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte, the high number of visitors often leads to increased tension for those who travel along the winding and narrow road.
Long queues, narrow roads, and traffic congestion often cause issues along the route. A user on TikTok posted a video showing these challenges on the way.
The footage highlights how closely cars pass each other and the total occupation of the road in many curves by larger vehicles, such as buses or wider-than-average cars.
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A Situation Waiting for Change
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The Tenerife Island Council has been working on the conservation and maintenance of this protected natural area for a long time. The latest development is the reopening of the jetty after being closed since 2018. Following a €1.6 million project, a breakwater with 46 concrete blocks and a boarding platform at the end of the ravine has been built.
With the increasing ecotourism tax, Masca is set to be the first location where an entrance fee will be charged. The Tenerife Island Council’s Government Council approved an agreement with Buenavista del Norte’s Municipality to implement a pilot project at this site, where a fee will be charged to enter the island’s protected natural areas from January 1, 2025.
This summer marks the start of the entrance fee collection at Masca, which will be limited to 275 people per day. This figure represents a significant decrease in visitors, as it is estimated that more than double this number visit this space in Buenavista del Norte daily.
The reopening of the jetty provides added convenience for visitors descending the ravine who previously had to climb back up to return home, a journey that often resulted in accidents requiring rescues.
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As part of the agreement between the Island Council and the Municipality, a bus service will be introduced to regulate traffic access in the Masca settlement. Many initiatives surround this unique location in Canary Islands, which could undergo significant changes impacting the natural environment and its residents.
